Cosmetics compact package

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic powder apparatus, comprising: (i) a first member; and (ii) a second member, where one or both of the first and second members are movable toward the other of the first and second members to enclose an interior area for storing cosmetic powder. The cosmetic powder applicator comprises structure to affix, in one instance, to a fixed positon relative to a selected one of the first and second members, and for facilitating movement of the cosmetic powder applicator away from the fixed position.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The preferred embodiments relate to cosmetic compacts and the like.

BACKGROUND ART

Compacts for makeup, face powder, foundation, blusher, skincare andrelated cosmetics are well known in the art. A typical compact has a topand bottom that are separated by a pivot (e.g., hinge), so that the topmay be swung about the hinge to either open or close the compact,relative to the bottom. A product, such as a powder or other granularcosmetic, is stored inside the compact, often in a recess formed in thecompact bottom. The recess may be deep enough, or the interior spacebetween the top and bottom may be wide enough, to permit other items tobe included between the compact top and bottom when the compact isclosed. For example, the interior space may permit a mirror to beincluded, often affixed to the inner side of the compact top, so thatwhen the compact is opened, the reflective mirror surface is visible tothe compact user. As another example, the interior space may permit anapplicator (e.g., pad or brush), often the same shape (e.g., circular)as the recess or the top and/or bottom, to be included in the interiorspace.

The above-described interior applicator may be placed in variousconfigurations, so that the applicator is accessible only once thecompact is opened. In this mariner, however, it is observed thataccessing the applicator may necessitate accessing the powder, orotherwise allowing the powder to potentially spill or be messy uponopening the compact.

Accordingly, while the above approaches are known and have myriadapplications, the present inventors have endeavored to improve the priorart, as further detailed below.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

In one example embodiment, there is a cosmetic powder apparatus,comprising: (i) a first member; and (ii) a second member, where one orboth of the first and second members are movable toward the other of thefirst and second members to enclose an interior area for storingcosmetic powder. The cosmetic powder applicator comprises structure toaffix, in one instance, to a fixed positon relative to a selected one ofthe first and second members, and for facilitating movement of thecosmetic powder applicator away from the fixed position.

Other aspects are described and claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dual compartment powder/brushpackage in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a right side view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective exploded view of the package of FIG.1.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the package of FIG. 10, witha brush bristle enclosing member in an open position.

FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the package of FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective exploded view of an alternative tothe package of FIG. 1, where the alternative has a generally circularperimeter.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective exploded view of an alternative tothe package of FIG. 1, where the alternative has a generally rectangularperimeter.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective exploded view of an alternative tothe package of FIG. 1, where the alternative has a generally squareperimeter.

FIG. 15A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush.

FIG. 15B illustrates the brush removable externally apart from theinterior of the FIG. 15A package.

FIG. 15C illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the FIG. 15Apackage, and with the FIG. 15B brush removed externally apart from thepackage interior.

FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush.

FIG. 16B illustrates the FIG. 16A package in a partial exploded view inwhich the brush is removed externally apart from the interior of theFIG. 16A package.

FIG. 16C illustrates a perspective view of the interior of the FIG. 16Apackage, and with the FIG. 16B brush inserted into a position externalfrom the package interior.

FIG. 17A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a brush andcap, both removable externally from the package interior and separablefrom the package.

FIG. 17B illustrates the FIG. 17A package in a partial exploded view inwhich the brush and its cap are removed externally apart from theinterior of the FIG. 17A package.

FIG. 17C illustrates a perspective partially-exploded view of the FIG.17A package with a removable brush having a separable cap and both brushand cap separable from the package.

FIG. 18A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush, the brush having one portion extending into the package interiorand another portion external from the package interior.

FIG. 18B illustrates the FIG. 18A package in a partial exploded view inwhich the brush is partially removed from the interior of the FIG. 18Apackage.

FIG. 18C illustrates the FIG. 18A package in a partial exploded view inwhich the brush is removed from the interior of the FIG. 18A package andthe members enclosing the package interior are hinged apart from oneanother.

FIG. 19A illustrates a perspective view of a package usable with, andincluding at least one flexible member to accommodate retaining, aremovable brush.

FIG. 19B illustrates the FIG. 19A package in which a first and secondmember are hinged toward one another to enclose a cosmetic between themembers, with a third upper member hinged away from the first and secondmembers and including a flexible membrane away from a brush atop thesecond member.

FIG. 19C illustrates the FIG. 19A package in which the brush is enclosedbetween the second and third member, but separated from the interiorthat stores cosmetic between the first and second members.

FIG. 20A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush attached to a position external from the package interior.

FIG. 20B illustrates the FIG. 20A package in which the brush is removedexternal apart from the interior of the FIG. 20A package and the membersenclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 20C illustrates a partially-exploded view of the FIG. 20A packagein which the brush is removed external from the interior of the FIG. 20Apackage, the members enclosing the package interior are hinged towardone another, and the brush cap is removed from the brush.

FIG. 21A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush attached to a position external from the package interior.

FIG. 21B illustrates the FIG. 21A package in which the brush is removedexternal apart from the interior of the FIG. 21A package and the membersenclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 21C illustrates a partially-exploded view of the FIG. 21A packagein which the brush is removed external from the interior of the FIG. 21Apackage and the members enclosing the package interior are hinged towardone another.

FIG. 22A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush attached to a position external from the package interior.

FIG. 22B illustrates the FIG. 22A package in which the brush is removedexternal apart from the interior of the FIG. 22A package and the membersenclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 22C illustrates a partially-exploded view of the FIG. 22A packagein which the brush is removed external from the interior of the FIG. 22Apackage, the members enclosing the package interior are hinged towardone another, and the brush cap is removed from the brush.

FIG. 23A illustrates a perspective view of a package with a removablebrush attached to a position external from the package interior.

FIG. 23B illustrates the FIG. 23A package in which the brush is removedexternal apart from the interior of the FIG. 23A package and the membersenclosing the package interior are hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 23C illustrates the brush removed external from the interior of theFIG. 23A package.

FIG. 24A illustrates a first perspective view of a package.

FIG. 24B illustrates a second perspective view of the FIG. 24A package,having an external recess with a brush disposed therein.

FIG. 24C illustrates the FIG. 24A package with the members for enclosingthe package interior hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 24D illustrates the brush of FIG. 24B once removed from thepackage.

FIG. 25A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an externaledge-located recess with a brush aligned in the recess and its bristlesextending into an area formed within one of two members that hingetoward one another to enclose the package interior, where the area doesnot extend into the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

FIG. 25B illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 25A packageonce the brush is removed from the package.

FIG. 26A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having anedge-located recess with a brush disposed therein, where the recess isformed within one of two members that hinge toward one another toenclose the package interior and the recess does not extend into thecosmetic storing interior between the two members.

FIG. 26B illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 26A packageonce the brush is removed from the package.

FIG. 27A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an externaledge-located recess with a brush disposed therein, where the recess isformed within one of two members that hinge toward one another toenclose the package interior and the recess does not extend into thecosmetic storing interior between the two members.

FIG. 27B illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 27A packagewith the brush partially removed from the package.

FIG. 27C illustrates a partially exploded view of the FIG. 27A packagewith the brush fully removed from the package, and the members forenclosing the package interior hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 28A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an externaledge-located recess with a brush and brush cap disposed therein, wherethe recess is formed within one of two members that hinge toward oneanother to enclose the package interior and the recess does not extendinto the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

FIG. 28B illustrates a perspective view of the FIG. 28A package with thebrush removed from the package and the members for enclosing the packageinterior hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 28C illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the FIG.28A package with the brush removed from the package and the cap removedfrom the brush, and with the members for enclosing the package interiorhinged toward one another.

FIG. 29A illustrates a perspective view of a package, having an externaledge-located recess with a brush and brush cap disposed therein, wherethe recess is formed within one of two members that hinge toward oneanother to enclose the package interior and the recess does not extendinto the cosmetic storing interior between the two members.

FIG. 29B illustrates a perspective view of the FIG. 29A package with thebrush removed from the package and the members for enclosing the packageinterior hinged apart from one another.

FIG. 29C illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the FIG.29A package with the brush and cap removed from the package and with themembers for enclosing the package interior hinged toward one another.

FIG. 30A stop [to be inserted]

FIG. 30A illustrates a perspective view of a package.

FIG. 30B illustrates the FIG. 30A package, with its top separated fromits bottom.

FIG. 30C illustrates a brush/frame combination from the underside of theFIG. 30B package top, and with the brush retracted.

FIG. 30D illustrates a brush/frame combination from the underside of theFIG. 30B package top, and with the brush partially extended.

FIG. 30E illustrates a brush/frame combination from the underside of theFIG. 30B package top, and with the brush additionally extended beyondthe extent of FIG. 30D.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 through 14 illustrate various different views of a preferredembodiment cosmetic compact package 10. Package 10 includes a bottom 12with a recess 12 a in which cosmetic (e.g., powder, not shown) is to bestored. Package 10 also includes a top 14 which is pivotally connectedto bottom 12, such as by a hinge 16 or the like. In general, therefore,bottom 12 and top 14 pivotally relate to enclose an interior area thatincludes recess 12 a, and therefore a user may pivot top 14 away frombottom 12, thereby providing access to recess 12 a and any cosmeticstored therein.

As appreciated in FIGS. 1 and 10, and above top 14, package 10 furtherincludes an additional retaining member 18, connected for example by apivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) to one or both of top 14 and bottom 12.In this manner, preferably additional retaining member 18 may swing awayfrom top 14, as shown in FIG. 10. As also shown in FIGS. 1 and 10,package 10 includes a powder/cosmetic applicator, which by way ofexample is a brush 20. Brush 20 includes a handle 20H and bristles 20B(or some other apparatus to provide cosmetic application, like a tip,membrane, ball, or the like). As now appreciable, therefore, brush 20may be fitted near or along an upper surface 14US of top 14, such thatbristles 20B are partially or fully covered by additional retainingmember 18. Indeed, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, additional retainingmember 18 has a chamber, which in the illustrated embodiment is aconcave cavity 18C, such that, when member 18 is closed relative to top14 as shown in FIG. 9, concave cavity 18C provides a receptacle area forreceiving and covering bristles 20B. Also in this regard, when brush 20is so positioned, preferably a portion of its handle 20H substantiallyor fully aligns with a portion of the perimeter of top 14. Additionally,note in the retained position that a portion of handle 20H abuts anupper edge of retaining member 18 along an interface 24 (see FIG. 1). Asa result, bristles 20B are retained within cavity 18C (formed by thegenerally concave portion of member 18), so as to somewhat or fullyenclose bristles 20B, relative to the exterior environment, when brush20 is in the retained position. Note further, therefore, then when brush20 is affixed to package 10, neither the brush handle 20H nor itsbristles 20B extends in the interior of package 12 where cosmetic isstored.

Top 14 and/or brush 20 may include further aligning apparatus tofacilitate the insertion, retention, and removal of brush 20 relative totop 14. In an illustrated example (see FIG. 10), two guides 14G areincluded on upper surface 14US, which as shown are arcuate with aportion that forms a bumper to guide receipt of the bristles 20B betweenthe two guides 14G. Also while not shown, a metal-to-magnet ormagnet-to-magnet attraction/retention force may be created by applying,or embedding, a magnet in one of either top 14 or brush 20 and eitheranother magnet, or metal, in the other of top 14 or brush 20. In such aninstance, as brush 20 is brought in the vicinity of upper surface 14US,the magnetic attraction force brings brush 20 (and/or its bristles 20B)into alignment with top 14. Alternatively, alignment bay be guided andretained by way of a friction fit, such as by shaping device formfactors, ridges, tabs, or the like. In any case, when brush 20 isaffixed to upper surface 14US, with the described alignment, bristles20B rest in an area toward the rear of upper surface 14, that is, nearpivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) and are covered by additional retainingmember 18, when that additional retaining member 18 is pivoted downwardrelative to upper surface 14 (see, FIG. 9). Such covering is fullyachieved in the position of FIG. 1, where brush 20 is fully alignedwithin concave cavity 18C.

The use of package 10 is now described generally, as also may beappreciated by one skilled in the art given the illustrations andpreceding. When the user desires to use solely brush 20, the userremoves brush 20 from its retained position as part of package 10. Suchremoval may be achieved, for example, by pulling handle 20H in adirection away from the remainder of package 20—in FIG. 9, therefore,removal may be achieved by pulling handle 20H generally to the right,from the perspective shown, causing brush 20 to separate from package10. When the user desires to once again retain brush 20 to package 10,bristles 20B may be slid within cavity 18C. To further assist with thispositioning, note that additional retaining member 18 may, prior tore-affixing brush 20 to package 10, may be swung about its pivotingmember 22 (see FIG. 7) away from upper surface 14US, such as to theposition shown in FIG. 10. In this manner, brush 20 may be replaced to aposition adjacent upper surface 14US, again with the optional assistanceof guides 14G. Thereafter, additional retaining member 18 may be swungabout its pivoting member 22 (see FIG. 7) toward and to contact uppersurface 14US, completing the closure of that member and providing theorientation of it, and brush 20, as shown in FIG. 1. Note also thatalternatively brush 40 could be inserted (e.g., slid along a parallelplane) onto upper surface 14US with member 18 in its downward position.Indeed, in an alternative embodiment, member 18 is not pivotable, butmerely provides a fixed external receptacle, relative to the cosmeticschamber, which would therefore appear somewhat comparable to thatpositioning shown in FIG. 9.

In addition to the preceding, package 10 also may be used to accesscosmetics in a manner comparable in certain respects to known cosmeticcompacts. Specifically, a user may pivot top 14 away from bottom 12, forexample by pulling top upward from bottom 12, while holding a retainingmember 26, connected to bottom 14, so as to hold bottom 14 steady duringthe pivoting process. In this manner, any item on the interior side oftop 14 or bottom 12 is accessible, including for example any cosmetic inrecess 12 a (FIG. 11). As an aside, note that when top 14 and bottom 12are moved in this fashion, away from one another, such movement alsomoves additional retaining member 18, inasmuch as it is on the opposite(or external) side of top 14, relative to bottom 12. Thus, if brush 20is affixed relative to top 14 when top 14 is moved away from bottom 12,then brush 20 is also moved (e.g., pivoted) away from bottom 12. Hence,brush 20 may be removed and re-attached to package 12 also when top 14is pivoted away from bottom 12.

FIGS. 12-14 illustrate alternate configurations 1200, 1300, and 1400,respectively, for package 10, with a change in outer form factor shape.Specifically: (1) FIG. 12 illustrates a removable brush 1200BR from apackage 1200 having a circular shape from a plan view; (2) FIG. 13illustrates a removable brush 1300BR from a package 1300 having a squareshape from a plan view; and (3) FIG. 14 illustrates a removable brush1400BR from a package 1400 having a rectangular shape from a plan view.In each of FIGS. 12-14, the handle of the respective brush is shaped tocomport with the plan view shape.

FIGS. 15A-15C illustrate perspective views of a package 1500 with aremovable brush 1500BR (FIG. 15B), the brush fitting into a receptacle1500R in the package 1500 such that the brush 1500BR may be removed fromthe package while the package remains in a closed position (FIG. 15A) asfar as the interior cosmetic (e.g., powder) 1502 is contained. Also,package 1500 can be separately opened to access a cosmetic 1502 or othermaterial inside the package (FIG. 15C), either with the brush 1500BR inplace in the package receptacle or removed from it. By example, a planview of package 15010 has a square shape. Additionally, therefore, whenbrush 1500BR is affixed to package 1500, neither the brush handle 1504nor its bristles 1506 extends in the interior of package 1500, wherecosmetic 1502 is stored between a bottom member 1508 and a top member1510.

FIGS. 16A-16C illustrate perspective views of a package 1600 with aremovable brush 1602 (FIG. 16B), the brush 1602 fitting into areceptacle 1604 in the package 1600 such that the brush 1602 may beremoved from the package 1600, while the package remains in a closedposition (FIG. 16A). Also, package 1600 can be separately opened toaccess a cosmetic 1606 or other material in an interior of the packageprovided between a bottom member 1608 and a top member 1610 (FIG. 16C),either with the brush 1602 in place in the package receptacle 1604 orremoved from it. By example, a plan view of this package has a circularshape. In addition, however, the brush 1602 may be a shape, either inits bristles 1602BR, handle 1602H, or both, whereby when the brush 1602is inserted into the package receptacle 1604, a continuous shape (e.g.,planar) is not necessarily maintained in the outer form factor of thepackage 1600 as the brush handle 1604H is encountered. Instead, in thisexample, the brush receptacle 1604 (and brush handle when insertedtherein) protrudes away from an otherwise generally flat or planarsurface of the top of the package. At least a portion of brush 1602 isshaped to match the shape, and form a fit (e.g., friction fit) betweenbrush 1602 and receptacle 1604, where in the illustrated embodiment thatshape has a round cross-section and both receptacle 1604 and brush 1602are cylindrical. Further, when brush 1602 is affixed to package 1600,one portion (e.g., bristles 1602BR) of the brush 1602 is withinreceptacle 1604, while another portion (e.g., handle 1602H) extendsbeyond receptacle 1604. When brush 1602 is affixed to package 1600,neither the brush handle 1602 nor its bristles 1602BR extends in theinterior of package 1600, where cosmetic 1606 is stored between a bottommember 1608 and a top member 1610.

FIGS. 17A-17C illustrate perspective views of a package 1700 with aremovable brush 1702 (FIGS. 17B, 17C), the brush 1702 fitting into arecess 1704 in the package such that the brush 1702 may be removed fromthe package, while keeping the package interior in a closed position,that is, as the package bottom 1706 and package top 1708 remain closedwith respect to one another. Also, package 1700 can be separately openedto access a cosmetic (not shown) or other material inside the package,either with the brush 1702 in place in the package receptacle or removedfrom it. In addition, however, the package 1700 includes a recess 1704that does not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles.Instead, a separate bristle cap 1710 is provided, so that thecombination of the brush 1702 and its bristle cap 1710 may be fittedtogether, or separated from each other, and when fitted together alignwithin the package recess 1704 (shown as an oval, by example). Furtherin this regard, brush 1702 may comprise different sets of bristles 1712(e.g., for providing different sizes or textures of cosmeticapplication), with each bristle set either retained by a same commonhandle 1714, or each bristle set may have its own handle, with thathandle fitting within a larger handle. For example as shown in FIG. 17C,there are three different bristle sets 1712, where in one exampleembodiment each set may have its own handle separable 1716A, 1716B,1716C, from the overall handle 1714, or each bristle set may affixedwithin the single overall handle. Also contemplated is a mechanism forretaining the combined brush and bristle cap in the package recess,using, as examples, a friction fit, a snapping or retaining member(s),or magnetic field (e.g., magnet to magnet, or magnet to magneticresponse material, such as appropriate metal).

FIGS. 18A-18C illustrate perspective views of a package 1800 with aremovable brush 1802 (FIGS. 18B, 18C), the brush 1802 fitting into areceptacle 1804 in the package 1800 such that the brush 1802 may beremoved from the package 1800, while other surfaces of the package 1800that enclose the cosmetic material remain in a same relative position.For example, as illustrated, the pivotal relationship between a packagetop 1806 and bottom 1808 may stay in closed contact with respect to oneother to partially contain cosmetic 1810 (FIG. 18C) stored within thepackage interior, but when the brush 1802 is removed, note that brushremoval does open one end of package 1800 so as to share ambient withthe package interior upon such removal. In contrast to earlier exampleembodiments, however, insertion of the brush 1802 into the receptacle1804 can complete the closing off from ambient, of the cosmetic powderwithin an interior space of package 1800. By example, a plan view ofpackage 1800 has a square shape.

FIG. 19A illustrates a perspective view of a package 1900, again withtwo members 1902 and 1904 which are pivotally connected to one anotherfor enclosing an interior area (under member 1094, but not separatelyshown) for a cosmetic to be stored in the interior. A third member 1906is also pivotally connected, to one or both of members 1902 and 1904,whereby third member 1906 can be closed atop member 1904. Third member1906 includes an accommodating surface, such as by shape or inclusion ofa flexible, deformable, and/or elastic surface (e.g., membrane), so thata brush 1908 may be placed between second member 1904 and third member1906, and whereby when third member 1906 is then closed toward and tomate with second member 1904, brush 1908 is retained between those twomembers (see FIG. 19C). As shown in FIG. 19C, therefore, one set of twoopposing members 1902 and 1904 are brought together to thereby enclosethe cosmetic area, while a different set of two opposing members 1906and 1904 are brought together to thereby enclose the brush 1980 betweenthem, while the outermost such member 1906 deforms as evident in FIG.19C by the outline of the brush, against which member 1906 is applied.Accordingly, brush 1908 is retained by package 1900, so that brush 1908may be installed to, or removed from, the package, without requiringaccess to the interior area where cosmetic is stored. Also by example, aplan view of package 1900 has a square shape.

FIGS. 20A-20C illustrate perspective views of a package 2000 with aremovable brush 2002 and cap 2004 (FIG. 20C), the brush and cap fittinginto a recess 2006 in package 2000 such that the brush may be removedfrom the package while the package interior remains in a closed position(FIG. 20A) relative to its stored cosmetic 2008 (FIG. 20B). Also,package 2000 can be separately opened to access cosmetic 2008 or othermaterial inside the package (FIG. 20B), by pivoting apart the packagebottom 2010 and top 2012, about a hinge 2014, either with or without abrush 2002 (and its cap 2004) attached to the package 2000. In addition,however, like package 1700, package 2000 includes a recess 2006 thatdoes not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles, and notethat packages 1700 and 2000 demonstrate that the recess can havedifferent shapes, where by way of example in FIGS. 20A-20C the recesshas a triangular cross-section. Further, also in package 2000 a separatebristle cap 2004 is provided, so that the combination of the brush andits bristle cap may be fitted together, or separated from each other,and when fitted together two different surfaces of the combination alignwithin respective surfaces of the package recess. Also in package 2000,when the combination of brush 2002 and brush cap 2004 are fitted withinthe (e.g., triangular) recess 2006, a continuous exterior surface, herein the shape of a plane, is maintained across the area just beyond therecess (e.g., to the left and right in FIG. 20A) and the upper surfaceof the brush handle/bristle cap. The same is true on both ends of thepackage. Lastly, again also contemplated is a mechanism for retainingthe combined brush and bristle cap in the package recess.

FIGS. 21A-21C illustrate perspective views of a package 2100 withvarious similarities to package 10 of FIGS. 1-11, with package 2100including a removable brush 2102 (FIG. 21C), here with a triangularbrush handle 2102H, the brush fitting into a receptacle 2104 in thepackage such that the brush may be removed from the package 2100, whilethe package interior otherwise remains in a closed position between abottom 2106 and top 2108, and without interior exposure by the brushremoval, so as to keep closed the interior area of the cosmetic (e.g.,avoiding exposure of the cosmetic to ambient). Further, brush removal isindependent of the pivotal relationship of the two package members(e.g., top and bottom 2108 and 2106, about a hinge 2110) that enclosethe cosmetic within the package (FIG. 21C), so the package can beseparately opened, irrespective of the brush position, to access acosmetic 2112 or other material inside the package (FIG. 21B). Byexample, a plan view of package 2100 has a square shape. Also in package2100, when brush 2102 is fitted within the package receptacle 2104, acontinuous exterior plane is maintained across the area just beyond therecess (e.g., to the left, right, and top in FIG. 21A) and the uppersurface of the brush handle (e.g., to the bottom in FIG. 21C).

FIGS. 22A-22C illustrate perspective views of a package 2200 withvarious similarities to package 2000, with package 2200 including aremovable brush 2202 (FIG. 22C). Brush 2202 fits into a recess 2204 inpackage 2200, and brush 2202 may be removed from the package 2200 whilethe package remains in a closed position with respect to its storedcosmetic. Thus, in FIG. 22A, a closed position is shown between apackage bottom 2206 and top 2208, while in FIG. 22B an open position isshown between a package bottom 2206 and top 2208, pivoting about a hinge2210. Also, again independent of brush position, package 2200 can beseparately opened to access a cosmetic 2212 or other material inside thepackage (FIG. 22B). In addition, package 2200 includes a recess thatdoes not itself provide a receptacle for the brush bristles, but insteada separate bristle cap 2214 is provided, so that when cap 2214 and brush2202 are fitted together, some surfaces of the combination thereof fitwithin recess 2204, which is included in the package exterior forreceiving the combined brush 2202 and brush cap 2214, while at least onesurface of the brush/cap combination forms a part of a continuousexterior surface of the package (here, not planar but continuing thesurface curvature of top 2208), for both aesthetics as well as assistinga user with identification of the brush and facilitating both itsremoval and re-insertion. In package 2200, when the combination of brush2202 and brush cap 2214 are fitted within the (e.g., slotted) recess2204, a continuous exterior plane, or contour, is maintained across thearea just beyond the recess (e.g., to the left and right in FIG. 22A)and the upper surface of the brush handle/bristle cap. Once more, alsocontemplated is a mechanism for retaining the combined brush and bristlecap in the package recess, which also may include a slide-fitrelationship.

FIGS. 23A-23C illustrate perspective views of a package 2300 withvarious similarities to package 2100, with package 2300 including aremovable brush 2302 (FIG. 23C), brush 2302 fitting into a receptacle2304 in package 2300 such that brush 2302 may be removed from package2300 with the package interior remaining in a closed position (FIG. 23A)and without exposure, by that brush removal, of a cosmetic 2306 (FIG.23B). Accordingly, with the example of a pivotal relationship of a top2308 and bottom 2310 about a pivot/hinge 2312, and whereby thatrelationship can remain closed to contain cosmetic 2306 stored withinthe package interior, when brush 2302 is removed, the package can beseparately opened to access cosmetic 2306 or other material inside thepackage (FIG. 23B), or the pivoting opening can be achieved while brush2302 is still attached to package 2300. By example, a plan view ofpackage 2300 has a square shape. Also in package 2300, when brush 2302is fitted within package receptacle 2304, a continuous exterior plane ismaintained across the area just beyond the recess (e.g., to the top leftcorner in FIG. 23A) and the upper surface of the brush handle (e.g., tothe bottom right corner in FIG. 23A).

FIGS. 24A-24D illustrate perspective views of a package 2400 withvarious similarities to package 1700. Package 2400 includes a removablebrush 2402 (FIG. 24D), brush 2402 fitting into a recess (FIG. 24B)formed in a package bottom 2404 (or could be in a package top 2406).Accordingly, brush 2406 may be removed from package 2400 while package2400 otherwise remains in a closed position as shown in FIG. 24A, wheretop 2406 is pivotally brought, about a hinge 2408, in contact withbottom 2404. Or, package 2400 can be separately opened (FIG. 24C) toaccess a cosmetic 2410 or other material in the package interior area,between bottom 2404 and top 2406. The package recess does not itselfprovide a fully-enclosing receptacle for the brush bristles 2402BR.Instead, either some or all of the bristles can remain exposed to areaexternal of package 2400, even when brush 2400 is in the recess, or aseparate bristle cap (not shown) may be provided, in which case thecombination of the brush and its bristle cap may be fitted together, orseparated from each other, and when fitted together align within thepackage recess. In the example embodiment, the recess at least in partis shaped to align with the brush handle. Again also contemplated is amechanism for retaining the brush in the package recess.

FIGS. 25A-25B illustrate perspective views of a package 2500 withvarious similarities to packages 1500 and 2100. Package 2500 includes aremovable brush 2502 (FIG. 25B), the brush and its bristles 2502BRfitting into a package recess 2504, such that bristles 2502BR furtherfit within and are enclosed by an area 2506 when so fitted, and brush2502 may be removed from package 2500 while package 2500 remains in aclosed position, where its top 2508 is pivotally brought, about a hinge2510, in contact with its bottom 2512. Accordingly, brush removal ispermitted without exposing, the cosmetic to the brush 2502 (or toambient). Alternatively, through a (e.g., pivotal) relationship of topand bottom 2508 and 2512 that can be brought together to enclose thecosmetic, those members may be opened with brush 2502 either attached orremoved from package 2500, so as to access a cosmetic or other materialinside the package. By example, a plan view of package 2500 has a squareshape. Also in package 2500, when brush 2502 is fitted within thepackage receptacle, respective continuous exterior planes are maintainedon three different sides of the package.

FIGS. 26A-26B illustrate perspective views of a package 2600. Package2600 includes a removable brush 2602 (FIG. 26B), the brush, includingits bristles 2602BR, fitting into a receptacle 2604 in package 2600,such that brush 2602 may be removed from the package, while the packageremains in a closed position with respect to, and without exposing, theinterior-stored cosmetic (e.g., to ambient). In the example embodimentof package 2600, receptacle 2604 is sized/shaped so that two edges ofbrush handle 2602H align along planes with external surfaces of package2600, so that those two surfaces of handle 2602H are flush with theexterior of package 2600 when so inserted, as shown in FIG. 26A. Also inthe illustrated example, while brush bristles 2602BR are within thereceptacle, a portion of that receptacle remains open to ambient,thereby exposing some of the bristles, at least to be viewed fromexterior of package 2600 when the brush is inserted into the receptacle.Again, through a (e.g., pivotal) relationship, the top and bottommembers 2606 and 2608, respectively, enclose an interior-storedcosmetic, those members may be opened with brush 2602 either attached orremoved from the package, so as to access a cosmetic or other materialinside the package. By example, a plan view of package 2600 has a squareshape.

FIGS. 27A-27C illustrate perspective views of a package 2700 withvarious similarities to packages 1500, 2100, and 2600. Package 2700includes a removable brush 2702 (FIG. 27B), but in this instance theentirety of the brush and its bristles 2702BR, other than a single flatsurface 2702FS of the brush handle, fit within a package receptacle2704, which is formed within a top member 2706. In any event, againbrush 2702 may be removed from a package 2700, while package 2700remains in a closed position between its top member 2706 and a bottommember 2708, with respect to, and without exposing, the cosmetic (e.g.,to ambient). Alternatively, through a (e.g., pivotal, about a hinge2710) relationship of the members 2706 and 2708 enclosing the cosmetic,those members may be opened with the brush either attached or removedfrom the package, so as to access a cosmetic or other material insidethe package. By example, a plan view of package 2700 has a square shape.Also in package 2700, when brush 2702 and its bristles 2702BR are fullyfitted within package receptacle 2704, a flat plane is presented on aside of the package that includes the package as well as a single flatsurface portion of the brush handle.

FIGS. 28A-28C illustrate perspective views of a package 2800 withvarious similarities to package 2000. Package 2800 includes a removablebrush 2802 (FIG. 28C), with brush 2802 and its cap 2804 fitting into arecess 2806 in the package such that the brush may be removed from thepackage while the package remains in a closed position relative to itsinterior-stored cosmetic, the enclosure achieved between a package top2808 and bottom 2810. Additionally, package 2800 can be opened to accessa cosmetic 2812 or other material inside the package interior (FIG.28B), with brush 2802 (and cap 2804) either attached thereto or removedtherefrom. Accordingly, recess 2806 does not itself provide a receptaclefor the brush bristles, but instead bristle cap 2804 serves both toenclose the bristles and provide uniform exterior planes in all threedimensions when attached to package 2800 (FIG. 28A), that is, fourcontinuous exterior planes are maintained across the areas between therecess and the combination brush handle/brush cap fitted into therecess. Thus, while the cross-sectional shape of brush 2802 handle istriangular, as was the case for package 2000, for package 2800 only asingle side (i.e., one triangle leg) of the brush handle is adjacent thepackage exterior, whereas for package 2000 two different sides (i.e.,two triangle legs) fit within that package recess. Once more, alsocontemplated is a mechanism for retaining the combined brush and bristlecap in the package recess.

FIGS. 29A-29C illustrate perspective views of a package 2900 withvarious similarities to package 2800. Package 2900 includes a removablebrush 2902 (FIG. 29C), brush 2902 fitting into, or aligning in partwith, a recess 2904 in package 2900 such that brush 2902 may be removedfrom package 2900 while package 2900 remains in a closed position (FIG.29A) relative to its interior-stored cosmetic 2906, and with theinterior enclosed between a bottom 2908 and top 2910. Also, package 2900can be separately opened to access a cosmetic 2906 or other materialinside the package (FIG. 29B), with brush 2902 either attached theretoor removed therefrom. Again, recess 2904 does not itself provide areceptacle for the brush bristles, and a bristle cap 2912, apart from abrush handle 2914, is included, while recess 2904 is dimensioned toreceive both brush handle 2914 and brush cap 2912, when cap 2912 isassembled to brush handle 2914. In the illustrated example, recess 2904is formed by two perpendicular planes, each to abut a respective planeof the combined brush and brush cap. Hence, the combined brush/brush caphave a square or rectangular cross-section, and when mated to thepackage recess, continuous planes are provide on four different surfaceof the package relative the combined brush/brush cap. Further, nomechanical affixation is shown, so an alternative retaining mechanism isto be included, such as by magnetism.

FIGS. 30A-30F illustrate perspective views of a package 3000 whichincludes a separable bottom 3010 and a top 3020. Unlike embodimentsdescribed above, package 3000 does not include a pivoting member (e.g.,hinge) between the two members that enclose its interior area where arecess 3030 stores cosmetic powder. Notably, therefore, bottom 3010 andtop 3020 are physically separable entirely from one another, that is,there is no pivotal of other fixed connection between them. Instead,they may be retained together by some retaining mechanism (e.g., snapfit, magnetism, or threadably if they were shaped appropriately). FIGS.30C through 30E illustrate a brush retractable member 3040, which ispositioned in the underside of top 3020. Member 3040 includes a frame3050, with a brush 3060, having a handle 3060H and bristles 3060BR.Brush 3060 is in in a slidable relationship relative to frame 3050. Forexample, the outer edge of handle 3060H may include tabs (not expresslyshown, but inherent to the slidable illustration) that extend outward toengage with respective tracks along respective paths on frame 3050,where the respective paths can be curved so as to provide a direction ofsliding action that brush 3060 follows when moved either inward oroutward relative to frame 3050. As shown in the sequence from FIG. 30Cto FIG. 30E, therefore, brush 3060 may be either retracted (FIG. 30C)into frame 3050, or extended partially away from frame (FIGS. 30D, 30E).Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 30F, with brush 3060 in its extendedposition, frame 3050 in combination with cap 3020 provide an assemblythat houses and also allows manipulation of bristles 3060BR, so thatcosmetic in a recess 3030 (e.g., circular) inside package 3000 may beaccessed and applied. Thus, even though bottom 3010 and top 3020 are nothinged relative to one another, again a brush is provided that, in oneinstance is fixed to a movable member, the movable member for advancingtoward another member to enclose a powder, but that same brush is alsoitself movable relative to the movable member. When the user is donewith the application, brush 3060 can be retracted back into frame 3050(and top 3020), and top 3020 may be returned to a closed position atopbottom 3010 (FIG. 30A). Lastly, note that recess 3030 may bepartitioned, where for example itS outer shape shown is split into twoportions, one storing cosmetic powder and the other housing a mirror.

From the above, one skilled in the art should understand and appreciatethat embodiments provide a cosmetic compact, in which a brush isretained as part of the unitary package, but also may be removed fromvarious positions (e.g., an outermost) of the package, in most instanceswithout accessing an interior space (or partition) which also wouldaccess the compact cosmetic powder. In some embodiments, the brush alsomay extend into an interior of the package. In all events, however, thepackage includes at least a first and second member, where one or bothof those members are movable toward the other to enclose (partially orfully) an interior area where powder is stored, and the cosmeticapplicator (e.g., brush) includes structure to affix it, in oneinstance, to a fixed positon relative to one of the movable members,while that same brush is also itself movable away from the fixedposition, and the cosmetic applicator further includes structure (e.g.,friction fit, magnetism, clip, etc.) to facilitate moving the applicatoraway from the fixed position. Further, in many example embodiments, whenthe brush is reattached relative to the package, it may do so in amanner such that any residue or excess powder still on the brushbristles can be relatively confined, such as by way of having some orall of the bristles retained within a receptacle that is formed byadditional retaining apparatus of the package (or a cap), and alsohaving a portion of the brush (e.g., handle) abut with the retainingapparatus along an interface, so as to somewhat or fully enclose thebristles when the brush is in the retained position and in many exampleembodiments to provide continuity of the outer surface(s) of the packageand the brush. Hence, described embodiments improve the state of theart, in which a brush is separately carried/accessed by a user, or thebrush is housed in the compact interior so that accessing the brushnecessarily requires access to (and possible release, exposure,spilling, contamination, and the like) the interior cosmetic. Thus,described embodiments permit easy brush retrieval, separate fromcosmetic access, while still facilitating desired timely use of thebrush, for powder touch-up or application or the like, and brushreplacement and retention, along with containment of the brush bristleswhen the brush is not in use. Also noted is the example embodiment ofFIGS. 1 through 11 have a generally rounded corner, square perimeter,when viewed from the top or bottom plan views of FIG. 6 or 7. Further,while the inventive scope has been demonstrated in various aspects ofembodiments, still other variations are contemplated or will beascertainable by one skilled in the art, with the hindsight of theinventive teachings herein. For example, also contemplated in theinventive scope are other shapes, for example as shown in FIG. 12(circular perimeter), FIG. 13 (generally rectangular perimeter, wherecorners could be 90 degrees or rounded to have a single radius orotherwise contoured), or FIG. 14 (square perimeter), where in each casethe top, bottom, and retaining member are contoured to accommodate theperimeter shape, as is the width and handle shape for brush 20. Thus,the package perimeter or footprint, as well as the receptacle for thebrush over the top, could be for any shaped compact, where a portion ofthe outermost layer or shell (e.g., member 18) cover is used to house aportion (e.g., bristles) of the brush or other applicator. As anotherexample, the brush/applicator can any type of device used to apply thecosmetic product, for example to the face, examples including a sponge,roller or any other face applicator device. Thus, while features havebeen described to serve to illustrate the inventive scope as have beendemonstrated by certain embodiments, one skilled in the art willappreciate that the scope is further subject to various modifications,substitutions, or alterations, without departing from that inventivescope. Still other examples will be ascertainable by one skilled in theart given the teachings herein and as further guided by the followingexemplary but non-exhaustive claims.

1. A cosmetic powder apparatus, comprising: a first member; a secondmember, where one or both of the first and second members are movabletoward the other of the first and second members to enclose an interiorarea for storing cosmetic powder; a cosmetic powder applicatorcomprising structure to affix, in one instance, to a fixed exteriorposition relative to a selected one of the first and second members,wherein a portion of the cosmetic powder applicator is user-accessiblewhen the cosmetic powder applicator is affixed to the fixed exteriorposition and without moving the first member and second member apartfrom one another; and wherein the cosmetic powder applicator furthercomprises structure for facilitating movement of the cosmetic powderapplicator away from the fixed exterior position.
 2. The cosmetic powderapparatus of claim 1 wherein the one or both of the first and secondmembers are movable toward the other of the first and second members topartially enclose the interior area.
 3. The cosmetic powder apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein a portion of the cosmetic powder applicator, incombination with the first and second members, is for fully enclosingthe interior area.
 4. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe one or both of the first and second members are movable toward theother of the first and second members to fully enclose the interiorarea.
 5. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structurefor facilitating movement of the cosmetic powder applicator away fromthe fixed exterior position facilitates movement of the cosmetic brushexternal relative to an interior side of the selected one on of thefirst and second members.
 6. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1wherein the second member is configured to pivotally affix relative tothe first member.
 7. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 whereinthe structure to affix comprises magnetic apparatus.
 8. The cosmeticpowder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structure to affix couples to amember that is configured to pivotally affix along a same axis as apivot axis between the first member and the second member.
 9. Thecosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1: wherein the cosmetic powderapplicator comprises apparatus for applying cosmetic powder; and whereinthe structure to affix provides a receptacle for receiving the apparatusfor applying cosmetic powder.
 10. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim9 wherein the apparatus for applying cosmetic powder comprises bristles.11. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 9 wherein the receptaclecomprises a third member located on an exterior side of the selected oneof the first and second members.
 12. The cosmetic powder apparatus ofclaim 1: wherein the cosmetic powder applicator comprises apparatus forapplying cosmetic powder; and wherein the structure to affix provides areceptacle for enclosing a portion of the apparatus for applyingcosmetic powder.
 13. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 12 whereinthe structure to affix receives bristles of the apparatus for applyingand abuts to a handle of the apparatus for applying, and wherein theportion of the cosmetic powder applicator that is user-accessiblecomprises the handle. 14-16. (canceled)
 17. The cosmetic powderapparatus of claim 1 wherein the structure for facilitating movementprovides a receptacle for receiving the cosmetic powder applicator to aposition so that a planar surface of the powder applicator aligns with aplane of at least one of the first member and the second member.
 18. Thecosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structure forfacilitating movement is for receiving the cosmetic powder applicatorand a cap to cover a portion of the cosmetic powder applicator. 19.(canceled).
 20. The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 wherein thestructure for facilitating movement comprises a recess in an externalsurface of at least one of the first member and the second member. 21.The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structure forfacilitating movement comprises a circular recess in an external surfaceof at least one of the first member and the second member.
 22. Thecosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structure forfacilitating movement comprises a triangular recess in an externalsurface of at least one of the first member and the second member. 23.The cosmetic powder apparatus of claim 1 wherein the structure forfacilitating movement comprises a recess that facilitates movement ofthe cosmetic powder applicator away from the fixed exterior positionwithout pivoting or sliding a compartment for holding the cosmeticpowder applicator.